Hollow Output Beam Combining for Compact Beam Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high power laser assemblies face challenges in maximizing output power while minimizing beam size in the far field and laser aperture, with beam director assemblies having a large form factor due to the need to expand and direct laser beams without creating obstructions.
Innovation Solution
A laser system that generates multiple laser beams with the same wavelength and phase, coherently combines them to form a combination beam with a hollow center, allowing for the use of an on-axis reflective beam expander without power loss or degradation, and enables a smaller form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard laser pointer is used, then the laser beam is visible for indication, but the beam cannot be used for simultaneous data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The laser beam is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a visible indicator beam for presentation purposes and as a carrier for data transmission through modulation. The same physical beam structure performs both indication and communication tasks, eliminating the need for separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Acoustic waves serve as an intermediary to modulate the laser beam's properties. The acoustic signal alters the beam's frequency or intensity in a detectable manner, enabling data encoding without adding complex electronic modulation components to the laser system itself.
2Productivity
If the laser beam is modulated for data transmission, then data can be transmitted, but the beam becomes invisible or less visible
Solution Approach 1:
The modulation is applied as a partial variation on top of the continuous visible beam rather than completely replacing it. The acoustic modulation introduces subtle frequency or intensity variations that encode data while maintaining the overall beam visibility for indication purposes.
3Productivity
If acoustic waves are used to modulate the laser beam, then data transmission is enabled, but background noise interferes with the signal
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the transmitted signal is monitored and adjusted to compensate for background noise interference. This enables reliable data transmission by continuously optimizing the modulation parameters against the actual acoustic environment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system produces a near diffraction-limited, high power beam with a hollow center, facilitating a more efficient and compact beam director that points and expands the beam effectively.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting data with the laser beam using acoustic waves
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A laser (14) includes an optical amplifier array system (17) that generates a plurality of laser beams (24); and a beam combiner (18) that coherently combines the plurality of laser beams (24) to form a combination beam (26) having a hollow center in a near field. The combination beam (26) with the hollow center allows for the use of a beam director (19) having an on-axis, reflective beam expander (21) without (i) loss in power, (ii) degradation of beam quality, or (iii) excessive heating of the beam expander (21).